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Spontaneous future cognitions: an integrative review.
1Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 11, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. dorthe@psy.au.dk.
Psychological Research
|December 12, 2018
Summary
Spontaneous future cognitions, or unplanned thoughts about the future, are explored across psychology. Further research is needed to understand their functions and potential dysfunctions.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Spontaneous future cognitions are mental representations of the future that arise without conscious effort.
- Research on these thoughts is fragmented across different psychological fields, hindering interdisciplinary understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize research on spontaneous future cognitions.
- To explore their connections with mind wandering, involuntary episodic future thoughts, and intrusive future imagery.
- To identify areas for future research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of spontaneous future cognitions.
- Analysis of research in mind wandering, involuntary episodic future thoughts, and intrusive future imagery.
- Synthesis of findings from separate psychological literatures.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous future cognitions are studied under various terms with limited interdisciplinary exchange.
- Potential conceptual overlaps and unique features of different conceptions remain unclear.
- Connections exist with mind wandering, involuntary episodic future thoughts, and intrusive future imagery in clinical contexts.
Conclusions:
- More research is required to elucidate the functions of spontaneous future cognitions in daily life.
- Understanding conditions for dysfunction, triggers, and the influence of beliefs and motivations is crucial.
- This field offers a promising approach to cognitive and motivational behavior regulation.
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